 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
St Louis MO (SPX) Oct 13, 2010 Boeing is preparing to offer a solution based on the world record-setting A160T Hummingbird unmanned rotorcraft in response to the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command's Request for Proposal (RFP) for Cargo Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) Services. The RFP calls for government-owned, contractor-operated UAS services for the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan. In March, under contract from the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL), Boeing demonstrated the A160T's ability to deliver at least 2,500 pounds of cargo from one simulated forward-operating base to another base 75 nautical miles away in less than the required six hours. The simulated mission delivered 1,250-pound sling loads over two 150-nautical-mile round trips, with the A160T operating autonomously on a preprogrammed mission. "Based on Boeing's success in the MCWL demonstration, we are convinced we have the right solution to bring this important capability to the Marines in the field," said Vic Sweberg, Boeing director of Unmanned Airborne Systems. "We are prepared to offer the best response to the Marines to support their ongoing efforts in Afghanistan." The A160T has a 2,500-pound payload capacity. It features a unique optimum-speed-rotor technology that significantly improves overall performance efficiency by adjusting the rotor's speed at different altitudes, gross weights and cruise speeds. The autonomous unmanned aircraft, measuring 35 feet long with a 36-foot rotor diameter, has hovered at 20,000 feet and cruised at more than 140 knots. The A160T established a world endurance record in its class in 2008 with an 18.7-hour unrefueled flight. Boeing started its A160T production line at its plant in Mesa, Ariz., in March.
Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links Boeing Defense, Space and Security UAV News - Suppliers and Technology
US drone kills seven militants in NW Pakistan: officialsMiranshah, Pakistan (AFP) Oct 10, 2010 A US drone strike killed seven militants at a compound in Pakistan's tribal North Waziristan region Sunday, security officials said. The compound was located by a road in Shewa district about 40 kilometres (25 miles) northeast of the region's main town of Miranshah. The drone fired four missiles at the compound and two vehicles parked outside were also destroyed, an intelligence official ... read more |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2010 - SpaceDaily. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
Google
Facebook
